crockpot quinoa lentil tacos ~vegan, gluten free~

Tis the season to break out the crock pot, especially for these quinoa lentil tacos!!!

Crockpot Quinoa Lentil Tacos ~ Break out the crockpot for simple and healthy weeknight meals!

Although I am not ready to say goodbye to the summer, I am ready to get back into a routine again!  So long summertime stress!  Bedtimes are returning to a reasonable hour again, the laundry is getting done (kind of) and more meals are spent at home!  But, let’s face it…the fall can be a monster in its own right with busy school and work schedules!

Crockpot Quinoa Lentil Tacos ~ Break out the crockpot for simple and healthy weeknight meals!

Here is a recipe that will be ready and waiting for you when you walk in the door after a long day!  The quinoa and lentil taco filling is made in the crockpot!  Just whip out the tortillas and toppings and you have a meal ready in minutes!

Crockpot Quinoa Lentil Tacos ~ Break out the crockpot for simple and healthy weeknight meals!

crockpot quinoa lentil tacos ~vegan, gluten free~
 
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Author:
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
  • ½ cup dry lentils
  • ½ cup dry quinoa
  • 2½ cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Bragg's Amino Acids or Tamari
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • For Tacos:
  • Tortillas of your choice (gluten free, corn or whole wheat)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Avocado
  • Sour Cream and/or Cheese (vegan or non-vegan)
  • Salsa
  • Hot Sauce
  • Fresh Cilantro
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to a crockpot and cook on low for 7-9 hours.
  2. Assemble tacos as desired and enjoy!

The combination of smoked paprika and Bragg’s Amino Acids creates an almost BBQ-ish flavor.  The consistency of the quinoa and lentil taco filling has a texture similar to ground beef in your standard tacos.  This recipe is adapted from the amazing blog Healthy Slow Cooking.  In addition to some minor changes,  I revved up the nutrition by adding sweet potato!

Crockpot Quinoa Lentil Tacos ~ Break out the crockpot for simple and healthy weeknight meals!

This was a kid-approved recipe as well!  Happy Meatless Monday :)

popcorn sampler ~vegan, gluten free~

The Popcorn Sampler…

The Popcorn Sampler ~vegan, gluten free~ A healthy after-school snack the whole family will enjoy~

Ever since my mother-in-law gave us an air-popper with a 5 pound bag of organic popcorn for Christmas, we’ve been hooked!  Popcorn has become one of Noah’s favorite snacks!  Depending on what you top it with, popcorn can be a very healthy snack!

Popcorn is a whole grain and has many nutritional benefits including a healthy dose of antioxidants and fiber!   I’m not talking about movie theater popcorn, which is usually dripping in fake butter and unhealthy additives.    Also, please steer clear of the microwave varieties that have a chemical laden coating in the bag.

The Popcorn Sampler ~vegan, gluten free~ A healthy after-school snack the whole family will enjoy~

Here are a few add-ins that turn popcorn into a perfect after-school snack!

Cinnamon Raisin Popcorn

2 cups air-popped organic popcorn

1 cup trail mix including raisins, dried cranberries, nuts and seeds

Dash of cinnamon and powdered sugar

Sprinkle of sea salt

Wasabi Pea Popcorn

2 cups air-popped organic popcorn

1 cup spicy trail mix including nuts, wasabi peas and rice crackers

Dash of cayenne pepper

Sprinkle of sea salt

Cheesy Garlic Popcorn

2 cups air-popped organic popcorn

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or organic butter

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Pinch sea salt

~ Gently warm olive oil over low heat, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.  Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat.  Sprinkle with cheese, parsley and add sea salt ~  For a vegan version, omit cheese and add a dusting of nutritional yeast ~

The Popcorn Sampler ~vegan, gluten free~ A healthy after-school snack the whole family will enjoy~

Healthy Hint:  Sneak these into the movie theater next time you go to see a show!

loaded apple nachos ~vegan, gluten free~

It’s back-to-school snack week!!!  

All week long I will be bringing you scrumptious snacks that will satisfy the whole family!  

Here is a recipe for Loaded Apple Nachos to start if off!  

Loaded Apple Nachos ~vegan, gluten free~ An after-school-snack the whole family will enjoy!

This recipe is far from creative since just about every food blogger out there has made them, but they sure are irresistible!  (My keyboard is covered with melty peanut butter as we speak!)

Loaded Apple Nachos ~vegan, gluten free~ An after-school-snack the whole family will enjoy!

Years ago, when completing my community nutrition rotation in school I remember learning this little bit of advice from my mentor Kim (who is now one of my best friends!)

“Use 2 food groups to make a healthy snack and 3 food groups to make a balanced meal”

I keep this in mind every time I prepare a snack or meal for Noah…or myself!

These loaded apple nachos consist of foods from the fruit group (apple & raisins) and protein group (nut butter)…two food groups, score!

Loaded Apple Nachos ~vegan, gluten free~ An after-school-snack the whole family will enjoy!

Loaded Apple Nachos
 
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Author:
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients
  • 2 apples, sliced
  • ¼ cup of nut butter, melted (I used all-natural peanut butter)
  • 3 tablespoons raisins
  • 3 tablespoons mini-chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life chips)
  • 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, toasted
Instructions
  1. Arrange apple slices on a plate. Drizzle with melted nut butter and top with raisins, chocolate chips and toasted shredded coconut. Enjoy!
Loaded Apple Nachos ~vegan, gluten free~ An after-school-snack the whole family will enjoy!

husband approved too…